Savoring the Stage: The Chef Demos at Oceans Calling 2025

While the sound of crashing waves and guitars filled Ocean City’s Inlet during Oceans Calling 2025, another kind of rhythm took center stage, this one made of chopping, sizzling, and laughter. The festival’s Chef Demo Stage once again proved that great food and great music are cut from the same creative cloth, offering festivalgoers a front-row seat to the art of cooking from some of the country’s most recognizable chefs.

Each afternoon, the Carousel Stage transformed into a lively open-air kitchen where culinary stars and musicians joined forces to celebrate flavor, friendship, and Maryland’s unmistakable coastal identity. Actor and host Jason Biggs kept the energy high between demos, blending humor and audience banter as the chefs worked their magic just feet away from the crowd.

On Friday, the weekend kicked off with Chef Antonia Lofaso, whose effortless charm and signature Italian-inspired flair filled the air with the aroma of garlic and lobster. She prepared a lobster pasta dish that perfectly captured the seaside setting, combining elegance with the kind of comfort you’d expect after a long day under the sun. As she cooked, members of O.A.R. — Chris Culos and Richard On — joined her on stage, mixing musical stories with cooking tips, creating a moment that felt more like a dinner party than a demo.

Saturday’s spotlight belonged to Maryland’s own culinary duo, Bryan and Michael Voltaggio. Known for their inventive takes on classic dishes, the brothers leaned into their hometown pride by showcasing local crab in a fresh, modern way. Their playful sibling banter kept the audience laughing as they tossed ingredients and shared stories of growing up on the Eastern Shore. Joining them were Benji and Joel Madden of Good Charlotte, who brought their own brand of Maryland nostalgia, turning the session into a cross-genre homecoming that felt authentically Ocean City.

By Sunday, the crowd had learned that the Chef Demo Stage was as much a must-see as any of the festival’s headliners. Chef Robert Irvine closed out the weekend with his trademark high-energy performance, whipping up a hearty Softshell Crab Po’ Boy while talking about the importance of community, resilience, and sharing good food with good people. His appearance alongside O.A.R.’s Jon Lampley and Paul Kartelias was a perfect reflection of what Oceans Calling stands for: creativity, collaboration, and a love for the coast.

Behind the scenes, Jeremy Brink, owner of Ocean 13 Seafood & Steakhouse and a proud Ocean City local, once again played a key role in bringing the culinary experience to life. For the third consecutive year, Brink and his team provided essential support to the celebrity chefs, ensuring each demo ran seamlessly and reflected the same high standard of hospitality that has made Ocean 13 an OC favorite. His continued partnership with the festival helped elevate the chef's experiences into something truly world-class — blending local heart with national talent.

Throughout the weekend, the demos drew packed audiences who cheered as loudly for a perfectly cooked lobster as they did for a guitar solo. The chefs didn’t just cook; they entertained, told stories, and made food feel like part of the festival’s soundtrack. Between laughter, local ingredients, and a few surprise guest appearances, these sessions proved that Oceans Calling isn’t just about music — it’s about everything that makes life by the water worth celebrating.

The chef demos served as a delicious reminder that Ocean City’s soul is fed as much by what’s on the plate as what’s on the stage. Oceans Calling 2025 hit every note and every flavor.

Photos: Mike Detwiler Photography